Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Centennial, CO: $52,781 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in Centennial, CO earns a median $52,781/year (≈ $25.38/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in Centennial's price level (5% above national, BEA RPP 105.0), that paycheck buys what $50,268 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.5% above the Colorado state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, certified nursing assistants in Centennial, Colorado, can expect a median annual salary of $52,781, significantly higher than the national median of $45,007. This salary range spans from $40,436 at the 10th percentile to $68,645 at the 90th percentile, illustrating the varied pay scale in this essential healthcare role. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost considerations, indicate a post-COVID wage reset where the local labor market is aligning with new economic realities. This upward trend reflects a 6.50% projected growth rate, underlining a strong demand for certified nursing assistants within Centennial’s healthcare landscape.
About the Centennial Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($42,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,436 | $19.44 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $44,837 | $21.56 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $52,781 | $25.38 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $58,040 | $27.90 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $68,645 | $33.00 |
Median Salary Position
17.27% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Centennial
In Centennial, CO, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $28,209 (2026 est.). At $52,781, the local median is 17.27% above the national median of $45,007.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Centennial: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Centennial Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
Centennial median: $52,781/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Centennial Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Average | $49,099 | +7.50% more |
| National Average | $45,007 | +17.27% more |
Certified Nursing Assistants in Centennial, CO earn a median of $52,781 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.27% higher than the national median of $45,007 and 7.50% above the Colorado state average of $49,099.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Centennial has a cost of living 5.00% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Centennial, CO has a cost-of-living index of 105 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $52,781 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $50,268 — a 4.76% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$34,783
2025 BLS Actual
$49,560
2026 Current Est.
$52,781
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Centennial (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34,783 | Actual |
| 2020 | $36,179 | Actual |
| 2021 | $35,546 | Actual |
| 2022 | $41,937 | Actual |
| 2023 | $44,799 | Actual |
| 2024 | $44,949 | Actual |
| 2025 | $49,560 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $52,781 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $56,212 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Centennial metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 42.5% from $34,783 (2019) to $49,560 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $56,212 by 2027 — a total increase of $21,429 (61.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Centennial metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 6.50% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $40,436 – $44,837 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $44,837 – $52,781 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $52,781 – $58,040 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $58,040 – $68,645 |
CNA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual certified nursing assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Certified Nursing Assistant Job Market in Centennial
Examining the job market, there are currently 16 certified nursing assistants employed in Centennial, where the cost-of-living index sits at 105, suggesting that while salaries are competitive, purchasing power is slightly constrained compared to national averages. Employers such as skilled nursing facilities and hospitals often offer higher wages, particularly for roles dealing with critical care. The disparities in pay can be attributed to factors such as shift differentials, with night shifts earning an additional $2-4 per hour and weekends bringing an extra $1-3. To maximize earnings, certified nursing assistants in Centennial should consider roles that offer premium pay for weekend shifts or positions in facilities with a higher acuity level. Furthermore, pursuing strands toward CNA-to-LPN or RN certification pathways could yield substantial long-term financial benefits.
More salary data for Centennial, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Emily Chen, BSN, RN
Career Analyst
Emily has over 10 years of experience in nursing. She focuses on workforce trends in nursing. Emily has worked in various healthcare settings, including hospitals and long-term care facilities.
Methodology & Data Source
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $49,560 for certified nursing assistantsin the Centennial metropolitan area. A 6.50% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Centennial is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.50%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for certified nursing assistants (SOC 31-1131).
Compiled and verified by Emily Chen, BSN, RN, a licensed certified nursing assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov